Golf Practice Assemblies and Methods

ABSTRACT

Modifiable platform assemblies are provided that can include at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies. These platforms can be used to develop the golf swing. Accordingly, golf ball hitting practice methods are also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/678,494 which was filed on Aug. 1, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure provides sporting equipment and in particular embodiments golf practice assemblies and methods.

BACKGROUND

Perfecting a golf swing is a decade long process that is enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. However, it is not enough to simply perfect a swing. The player must also perfect a swing that is unique to specific terrains of the golf course. For example, the ball can have a particular lie; on the uphill of the feet, downhill of the feet, on an angled lie, and other difficult configurations that support the golf ball being played. To perfect a swing suited for these specific instances, it is impractical to simply place a ball at different terrains throughout a course and practice hitting balls from those positions. It is more practical to practice hitting balls from a fixed position that can be manipulated to emulate other alternative lies throughout golf courses. The present disclosure provides golf practice assemblies and methods that can be utilized to emulate golf ball lies.

SUMMARY

Modifiable platform assemblies are provided that can include at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies.

Golf ball hitting practice methods are provided. The method can include: providing a practice platform in a first position aligned with a target, the practice platform being in a first location in the relation to the target and the target being in a second location in relation to the practice platform; striking a ball from the platform in the first position, the first position providing a first lie of the golf ball; and repositioning the platform to a second position different from the first position, the second position providing a different lie of the golf ball in the relation to the striking golfer.

Golf swing practice platforms are also provided. The platform can include: a first frame residing above a second frame, the first and second frames rotationally-fixedly coupled to one another; a hitting platform pivotably coupled to the first frame via at least one hinge; a positioning assembly between the hitting platform and first frame, the positioning assembly configured to fixedly engage the hitting platform in a plurality of physical relations with the first frame; and a rotation assembly between the first frame and the second frame, the rotation assembly configured to lock the relation of the first frame to the second frame when the first frame is in the down position, but allow the first frame to rotate about the second frame when the first frame is in the up position.

A golf practice platform including a frame having a platform and a sub-frame coupled thereto, the platform hingedly engaged to the upper portion of the frame and pivotable along the hinge and the sub-frame pivotally engaged to the main frame and pivotable in relation to the main frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of an assembly of the present disclosure positioned relative to a target 12.

FIG. 2 is another view of the assembly of the present disclosure positioned relative to a target 12.

FIG. 3 is the internal structure of the assembly of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is another configuration of the internal structure of the assembly of the present disclosure according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are two positions of a rotation assembly.

FIG. 6 is another depiction of the assembly of the present disclosure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is another configuration of the assembly of the present disclosure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is another depiction of a configuration of the assembly of the present disclosure according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another view of the assembly of the present disclosure according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 10-16 are views of the assembly of the present disclosure in operable configurations supporting a golfer according to multiple configurations.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

The assemblies and methods of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-16. Referring first to FIG. 1, an upper view of golf practice assembly 10 is shown positioned relative to a target 12. The target 12 can be any target; it can be a target in a back yard; it can be a flag; it can be a pin; it can be a tree. It is merely depicted in the drawings to indicate that multiple lies can be emulated from the golf practice assembly 10 without choosing different targets or changing the relation between the target and assembly 10. The same target can be utilized while assembly 10 can be manipulated to emulate different golfing lies. Accordingly, golf practice assembly 10 can be positioned or rotated along or around a vertical axis extending between the upper surface 11 and lower surface 13 of assembly 10. This rotation can allow for the operator to emulate a lie that may place the ball above the feet or below the feet, but at the same time provide a target that is not directly normal to or at 90° to the positioned lie above or below the feet. Shown at upper surface 11 of assembly 10 are ball placement pads 16 that can emulate grass, for example. These ball placement pads can include, but are not limited to AstroTurf® pads, for example.

Referring to FIG. 2, another view of assembly 10 in relation to target 12 is shown with golfer 14 utilizing same. As can be seen, a portion of assembly 10 is raised to provide an angle, slant, or tilt at surface 11 of assembly 10 in relation to surface 13 that can be used to emulate a ball as below the feet or above the feet lie, for example. As depicted by dashed lines, assembly 10 can include a sub-frame assembly 30 that can be configured to rest directly on base frame assembly 18. This sub-frame 30 can be integrated to another frame or housing of assembly 10. In accordance with example implementations, sub-frame 30 may be mechanically connected to base frame 18 via a rotation assembly 22 such as a spindle which resides in or about the center portion of assembly 10. In accordance with example implementations, sub-frame 30 can be biased in relation to base-frame 18 to allow for the rotation along the vertical axis of assembly 10 in relation to base-frame 18. Accordingly, the frames can be placed one above the other and/or be rotatably connected in relation to one another along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two frame assemblies.

Assembly 10 can also include positioning members 20. Positioning members 20 can be configured to allow the user to position the upper surface, such as a hinged upper surface, of assembly 10 in multiple angled positions relating to a hinge associated with assembly 10. Positioning member 20 can be a member that includes multiple slots that can be utilized to engage a cross-member raising one edge relative to another edge of the upper surface of assembly 10. The upper surface can be considered a support or hitting platform and may be coupled to sub-frame 30 via hinges 40, for example.

Referring to FIG. 3, a view of a frame of assembly 10 is shown that includes sub-frame 30 associated with base-frame 18. As can be seen, base-frame 18 includes cross-members that associate with a platform that can be used to support rotation assembly 22 mechanically associating with the frames. Frame 30 can include multiple cross-members and risers that provide support for the outer frame or outer housing of assembly 10, for example. The structures in this disclosure can be constructed of 1″ hollow steel tubing, 1″ angle iron, 10 gauge cold rolled steel, 3 gauge cold rolled steel, and/or 14 gauge flat stock steel, for example, that may be coupled together with welds, nuts, or bolts, for example.

Referring to FIG. 4, base-frame 18 is shown juxtaposed with main frame 30, and this juxtaposed position is provided via rotation assembly 22 mechanically connecting main frame 30 and base frame 18. As can be seen in FIG. 4, hinges 40 are provided to allow for the pivot of the upper platform of assembly 10, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B depiction of an example rotation assembly 22, with 5A depicting assembly 22 in the up, free, and/or rotatable position and 5B depicting assembly 22 in the down, locked, and/or fixed position. Assembly 22 can be biased in the 5A or up position and proceed to the 5B or down position upon application of weight such as the weight of a practicing golfer upon an upper surface of assembly 10.

Referring to FIG. 6, assembly 10 includes an upper surface platform 51 having a handle 50 associated therewith. This platform is connected to positioning members 20 which, as shown, include bars having multiple positioned tines that can be mechanically associated with a cross-member 54 extending across and connecting to main frame 30. The release of positioning members 20 from cross-member 54 can be manipulated with foot lever 52 which extends to remove members 20 from cross-member 54 when manipulated in a downward position, thereby allowing the user to disengage cross-members 20 and raise or lower platform 51 as desired.

Referring to FIG. 7, another view of assembly 10 is shown depicting positioning members 20 engaged with cross-member 54 and further depicting pedal 52 engaged with member 60 which can, when engaged, pivot members 20 away from cross-member 54, disengaging positioning members 20 from cross-member 54 and allowing for the repositioning of platform 51.

Referring to FIG. 8 and depicted in accordance with another embodiment, members 20 may be aligned or operatively coupled with cross-member 54 via a trough or spindle trough 70 associated with cross member 54, thereby aligning members 20 with cross-member 54.

Referring to FIG. 9, member 22 is shown supporting a portion of main frame 30. Member 22 can be a trailer axle hub and cap assembly purchased from Napa Auto Parts, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 10-16, multiple configurations of assembly 10 are shown supporting a golfer. As shown, assembly 10 can be rotated along a vertical axis as described, allowing the golfer to rotate the assembly in relation to a target. Fixing the assembly in a rotated position is accomplished by the golfer simply applying their weight to the platform as the spindle biases the platform in a rotatable position without weight applied thereon. Once the weight of the golfer is applied thereto, the spindle locks assembly 10 in the usable position as configured.

In accordance with additional embodiments of the disclosure, the hitting platform can include hitting tees that may be utilized therewith. These tees can be rubber for example, such as those used for hitting golf balls with a driver.

In accordance with an example implementation, the assembly can be used with every club in the golfer's bag, from driver to wedges and all clubs in between. Additionally, the area occupied by the platform can be sufficient to safely accommodate most stances of golfers. For example, 5′×5′ can accommodate most stances.

In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entire invention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodiments shown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise forms of putting the invention into effect. 

1. A modifiable platform assembly 10 comprising at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies.
 2. The platform of claim 1 further comprising a support platform pivotably coupled to one of the frame assemblies.
 3. The platform of claim 2 wherein the support platform comprises an edge that is hinged to an edge of the one of the frame assemblies.
 4. The platform of claim 2 further comprising a positioning assembly between the support platform and the frame assembly coupled to the support platform.
 5. The platform of claim 4 wherein the positioning assembly comprises: at least one member extending from the support platform; and another member extending from one of the frame assemblies, the one member configured to engage the other member at a plurality of positions.
 6. The platform of claim 5 wherein the one member defines a plurality of recesses configured to individually receive the other member.
 7. The platform of claim 1 further comprising a rotation assembly engaged between the two frame assemblies.
 8. The platform of claim 7 wherein the rotation assembly comprises a spindle.
 9. The platform of claim 8 wherein the spindle comprises a hood and ball, the hood being coupled to one frame and the ball being coupled to the other frame, the assembly being configured to rotate the one frame about the other frame as the hood rotates about the ball.
 10. The platform of claim 7 wherein the rotation assembly is configured to lock in a resting position and allow for movement in the raised position.
 11. A golf ball hitting practice method, the method comprising: providing a practice platform in a first position aligned with a target, the practice platform being in a first location in relation to the target and the target being in a second location in relation to the practice platform; and striking a ball from the platform in the first position, the first position providing a first lie of the golf ball; and repositioning the platform to a second position different from the first position, the second position providing a different lie of the golf ball in relation to the striking golfer.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the repositioning the platform maintains the distance relationship between the practice platform and the target.
 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising after repositioning, again striking another ball from the platform in the second position.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the first position of the platform is substantially level and the second position of the platform is substantially tilted.
 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the first position of the platform is substantially tilted and the second position is substantially tilted and rotated about an axis in relation to the first position.
 16. The method of claim 11 wherein the repositioning comprises disengaging the platform from a locked position and rotating the platform about an axis.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the repositioning comprises depressing a lever to disengage the platform from the locked position.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein the first lie of the golf ball is about level with the feet of the practice player.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein the first lie of the golf ball is above the feet of the practice player.
 20. A golf swing practice platform, the platform comprising: a first frame residing above a second frame, the first and second frames rotationally-fixedly coupled to one another; a hitting platform pivotably coupled to the first frame via at least one hinge; a positioning assembly between the hitting platform and first frame, the positioning assembly configured to fixedly engage the hitting platform in a plurality of physical relations with the first frame; and a rotation assembly between the first frame and the second frame, the rotation assembly configured to lock the relation of the first frame to the second frame when the first frame is in the down position, but allow the first frame to rotate about the second frame when the first frame is in the up position. 